Homeless family hub ‘like a jail for children’

Children interviewed for a report on family hubs spoke of feeling “trapped” in conditions likened to a children’s jailALAMY

A child living in homeless family accommodation described it as “like a children’s jail” where they have to read books in the toilet, have trouble sleeping and have to deal with bullying on a daily basis, according to a new report.

The views of 80 children living in eight family hubs in Dublin, Cork and Limerick are included in the No Place Like Home report, published by the children’s ombudsman today.

The ombudsman for children spoke to children between the ages of five and 17, as well as to parents of children under five. Children were asked what they liked, what they found challenging and what they would change about living in homeless accommodation.

Difficulties faced by the children include a lack of space and…

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